Windows Vista Update

Vista Error Code 80070490 - How do I fix it ?

by Graeme Lewis
(Kingston, UK)

My Vista Home Premium has stopped updating automatically since 1st December 2008 and I get the dreaded Error Code 80070490 when trying to update manually. I have read all advices on all Forums, etc and one proposed solution is to System Restore to a date before the problem. But my System Restore offers the chance to go back only four weeks - so I cannot use this option (XP offered the chance to go back for many months).
Another suggestion is to update my OS - but my Compaq did not come with a Vista disc (it was preloaded), so I cannot do that either.
I cannot believe that Microsoft allow this silly situation to arise - that users cannot update their system due to a fault in the system. They should publish a cure immediately or at least confess that it is insoluble.